Ann Arbor-based GDI Infotech announced Tuesday that it had bought a smaller competitor and launched a new Government Solutions Practice, with the former Deputy Administrator of Washtenaw County, David Behen, in charge.
The Government Solutions Practice will focus on leveraging this experience to offer new technology, Web-based and information-driven products and services to local and state governments.
Behen brings his experience from a distinguished career of more than 13 years in public service, the last 10 with Washtenaw County.
Behen has been named twice to the prestigious CIO 100 list of the top 100 IT programs by CIO Magazine, and to the influential Crain’s Detroit Business “40 Under 40” list for outstanding professional achievement before the age of 40. He spearheaded the popular and successful Wireless Washtenaw effort two years ago to provide free or low-cost high-speed Internet access to the entire county through a public-private partnership. Washtenaw County has been named six times as one of the nation’s Top Ten Digital Counties by the Center for Digital Government with the National Association of Counties.
“Technology, leveraging the Web and open access is more powerful than ever in our history," Behen said. "Now is the time to bring these solutions to government organizations and make them more efficient and smarter while expanding services and opportunities to citizens. I’m excited about this new role to further serve the public with greater impact.”
Said Alan Shark, executive director of the Public Technology Institute, a national non-profit research and technology organization where Behen was co-chair of the CIO Council: “David is a strong advocate and leader in government technology solutions. He has given a significant amount of his time to share and facilitate with other peer organizations to grow technology directions on a national level. He has consistently demonstrated his keen leadership skills and has earned respect and admiration among his peers.”
Added GDI Infotech Bhushan Kulkarni: “GDI has made significant investments over the last few years to develop new innovative solutions, software and services that focus on the emerging technology needs of government organizations. We are very excited that David chose to stay in Michigan to work with us giving us added vision, knowledge and experience.”
As for the merger, Soft-Link International is a provider of IT services and talent acquisition to the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector in Michigan and nationally.
Its 42 employees will become part of GDI, which will rise to 152 employees after the merger.
“GDI is making a pretty emphatic statement to support the strong growth in biosciences in Michigan and nationwide," said Stephen Rapundalo, CEO of MichBio, the state's life sciences industry trade group. "GDI is offering much needed expertise, talent, services and commitment to growing our industry.”
Going forward, Soft-Link president Madhuri Deshpande will serve as executive vice president and COO of GDI, managing the professional services and solutions divisions.
More at www.gdii.com.
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